I’ve never read a book more wholesome and touching than Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. This novel follows a true story about a friendship between the author and his college professor, Morrie. After graduating from college, Mitch loses touch with Morrie, as well as with himself. He spends the next years failing to become a musician and hating his new journalism job. When he learns that Morrie is terminally ill with Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS), he goes to visit him. They connect just like old times, when Morrie felt more like a father to him than a professor.

Albom tells the story about how he started to visit him every Tuesday. Morrie’s wise stories about life influence him to try to find his true self again. In fact, Morrie helps him realize what truly matters. Recognizing his disdain for what he’s doing in life, Albom decides to help Morrie share his stories with the world. He helps his teacher through the pain of deteriorating and slowly starts to understand what his passing will mean. When Morrie passes away, Albom learns the lesson of love and loss, and reflecting on Morrie’s wisdom helps Albom along the way.

This novel truly resonates with anyone who has any kind of close relationship with another individual. The fear of loss and the feeling of love go hand in hand. The biggest takeaway from this novel is the lessons that come along with grieving: just because someone isn’t physically in one’s life anymore, doesn’t mean that the relationship with them ended. A life ending doesn’t conclude that the love has ended, as well.

This book is extremely beneficial to anyone battling with grief or loss, or for anyone who truly wants to become more  aware of the importance of the relationships in their lives. This is a must read, but I definitely recommend keeping some tissues nearby.